A high court judge in Grenada has ordered the Keith Mitchell-led government to restore the work permit that was withdrawn from a member of the management team of a leading hotel in the south for political purposes.

The decision by Justice Francis Cumberbatch came amidst claims by Manager of Grenada Grand Beach Resorts that Education and Labour Minister, Claris Charles had indicated that she was adopting a particular position in a dispute at the hotel since she was more interested in getting the workers to return the ruling New National Party (NNP) to power in the upcoming general elections.

The resort took the matter to court and the sitting judge issued the following order:

Upon an application by Notice of Application dated the 10th day of August, 2007 and filed on even date coming up for hearing

AND upon hearing Mr. Karl T. Hudson-Phillips, Q.C,. Counsel for the Claimants and Mrs Nadine Wilkins, Counsel for the Respondents;

It is ordered that this matter be hereby deemed fit to be heard by a Judge during the vacation of the Court.

IT IS HEREBY FURTHER ORDERED:

(1). That Work Permit #F5483 granted to Michael Phillips as Director of Operations of the Grenada Grand Beach Resort Hotel, be restored forthwith.

(2). That Work permit for which payment was made and which was approved for Michael Frank Danella as General Manager of the Grenada Grand Beach Hotel, be issued forthwith.

(3). That a Work permit in favour of Russell Scott David as Food and Beverage Manager of the Grenada Grand Beach Resort be issued forthwith upon the payment of the requisite fees.

AND IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that the application for leave to apply for judicial review filed therein on the 10th day of August, 2007 be otherwise adjourned to a date to be fixed by the Registrar during the court term which commences on the 16th day of September, 2007

By Order,

Lisa Telesford

Deputy Registrar

Supreme Court